We take menstruation very seriously
Did you know that women spend an average of 2,700 days (almost 8 years!) of their lives menstruating? Wow! Many women use menstrual products during those days. Think of sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and so on. Fortunately, in recent years, more attention has been paid to the safety of menstrual products. Scientists have investigated the presence of irritants and allergens in menstrual products.
A key question remains unanswered: what influence do menstrual products have on the intimate microbiome? This means the vaginal microbiome, but also the vulvar microbiome. This is where Luna , the brand-new menstruation study within the citizen science project Isala , comes into play.
88 women, 1,000 samples, 1 challenge: 150,000 euros
Leonore Vander Donck, a PhD student, is at the helm of Luna, with the help of PhD student Caroline Dricot . They sought out women to participate in the study. And they found them. More than 600 women completed a comprehensive questionnaire. This has already yielded a wealth of information.
A group of 88 women took things a step further: over the course of five menstrual cycles, they collected three samples from themselves. The result? 1,000 samples full of valuable data. Unfortunately, analyzing them is very expensive. We are seeking €150,000 to analyze and study them in detail. This funding will allow us to examine the samples in the most detailed way possible.
How can you help? Join the Sisterhood!
With your support, we can work on groundbreaking research that will provide valuable knowledge about women's health: yours, your (grand)daughter's, your partner's, your sister's, your niece's, or your friend's.
- Make a free donation . Every donation counts, big or small! You can donate online or by bank transfer to BE42 7310 4624 7854, with the reference "Gift Luna."
- Entrepreneur or company? Become a partner as a Golden, Silver, or Bronze Sister. Contact Eline Joukes , coordinator of the University Fund, to discuss the possibilities.
Want to know more about Luna and Isala?
Luna is one of Isala's sister schools. Learn more about the projects on their website:
